Setting:
Zechariah is good parallel book to Revelation. It fills in some of the blanks, some of the details left out of Revelation.
Zechariah was born in Babylonia captivity under Nebuchadnezzar. He's now back in Jerusalem and they are in the process of rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple. They are very discouraged with all the devastation. God gives Zechariah a word of encouragement for the land of Israel, with restrictions. Two years had passed since the visions of encouragement have occurred. Chapter 8 is split between our time and our future.
Vs14: again, the term Lord of Hosts: power, authority, warlord. God says, “You've seen the result of my wrath, you've seen what I've done to your forefathers. I have not changed my mind about things.”
Vs15: God has decided to bless them now, conditionally:
Vs16: they must speak the truth, be honest with their fellow man, be honest and peaceful in your area, in your life, in your job, in your home. It's hard today to find an honest person, and honest company. Be honest with yourself and your neighbors.
Vs17: the Lord hates … the word hate translated from Hebrew means you hate something venomously to you just don't prefer it. Here it means the first. He hates you to wish bad upon your neighbor, hates you to love a false oath, false promises. Just don't lie. Vs18: the LORD OF HOSTS phrase again…
Vs19: Fast Days: the Lord set up some fasts for people. He set up these four fast days: 4th 5th, 7th, 10th... |
